Miscellaneous
Heatstroke is a common emergency in the summertime, but it can occur throughout the year. Heatstroke develops when a dog cannot cool itself through panting, and its core temperature rises (the upper range for normal temp for dogs is 102.5 F or 39.2 C). Heatstroke is the most severe form of hyperthermia (excess heat), coming after heat stress and heat exhaustion, and it is a medical emergency with life-threatening implications.
Many factors may contribute to the development of heat stroke, including environmental conditions (hot and humid climate, lack of adequate shade or drinking water, excessive exercise, being in a closed space without air conditioning or a closed car), breed-related factors (breeds with a short nose and flat face, breeds with thick fur), pre-existing health conditions (respiratory problems, obesity), and being very young or very old.
Signs of heatstroke include restlessness, panting, drooling, dark-colored gums, vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, dizziness, seizures, and collapse.
Breeds
Brachycephalic breeds are at a higher risk of developing heatstroke, including Pugs, English, American, and French bulldogs, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Akitas, Bullmastiffs, and Boxers.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system can help in the timely detection of the condition:
- Increased temperature, fever
- Increased pulse
- Decreased HRV
- Increased respiratory rate
- Decreased activity score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased Wellness score
Some dogs are indiscriminate eaters, which means they will get into anything, and put their health at risk. Common sources of poisoning in dogs include people’s medications (tylenol, ibuprofen, herbal preparations), people’s food (chocoloate, onion, garlic, alcohol, macademia nuts, avocado, grapes and raisins, xylitol), plants (azaleas, rhododendrons, tulips, daffodils, sago palms), Household products (cleaners, antifreeze, paint thinner, pool chemicals), veterinary products (drugs, especially if they are flavored, tick/flea preventatives), rodenticides, insecticides, and lawn and garden products.
Poisoning can cause a wide range of effects on your dog’s body. Some are immediate but others may be subtle or have longer-term implications. It is therefore imperative that you consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog ingested something they shouldn’t have.
Typical signs of poisoning include diarrhea, with or without blood in the stool, vomiting, loss of appetite, seizures or tremors, lethargy, wobbly gait, hyperactivity, panting, bruising, and bleeding.
Breeds
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the breeds who are most likely to let their curious noses get them into trouble are Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Chihuahua, American Pit Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, Beagle, Shih Tzu, and Boxer.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in the timely detection of illness and discomfort:
- Changes in activity score and routine
- Increased pulse rate
- Decreased HRV
- Changes in posture routine
- Increased respiratory rate
- Decreased Pain score
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
The vestibular system is located inside the ear and is responsible for maintaining balance and posture. Vestibular disease refers to a sudden loss of balance that typically occurs in older dogs, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “old dog vestibular syndrome.”
Common symptoms include sudden onset of loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt, and nystagmus (irregular, jerky eye movements). Some dogs will refuse to stand or walk, while others lean or fall in the direction of their head tilt (similar to vertigo in people).
Breeds
French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, King Charles Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers have the highest odds of developing vestibular disease, but the condition can affect any breed.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in monitoring patients through treatment and recovery:
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased activity score
- Decreased posture score
- Increased pulse rate
- Decreased HRV
Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety, but since they can’t talk it is sometimes hard to identify these feelings. Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling associated with the anticipation of external or internal danger.
Symptoms include pacing and shaking, restlessness, panting, barking and whimpering, drooling, excessive licking or other repetitive and compulsive behaviors, being very alert, or conversely, hiding and appearing depressed, inappropriate eliminations, and shedding.
Breeds
Breeds that are more likely to suffer from anxiety are German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system may help in identifying stress and monitoring response to treatment::
- Increased pulse rate
- Increased respiratory rate
- Decreased HRV
- Changes in activity score (increased or decreased)
- Changes in posture score and/or routine
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
Dental diseases are among the most common health issues in dogs since most do not have their teeth brushed regularly. Issues may range from gingivitis to fractured teeth. Prompt treatment of dental issues is important to prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that chronic periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of inflammation of internal organs, such as the kidneys and heart.
Typical signs of dental disease include bad breath, reluctance to chew, preferring softer foods, drooling, dropping food, and pawing at the mouth,
Treatment includes preventive measures at home (tooth brushing, dental food, dental treats) and professional assessment and treatment by a veterinarian.
Breeds
Dogs of all breeds may develop dental disease, but the following breeds have a specific predisposition to develop certain conditions:
- Collies – overbite
- Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Shih Tzu, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terrier, and small breeds, such as Chihuahua – crowded teeth, periodontal disease
- Miniature breeds, such as Yorkies, Pomeranian, Maltese, Poodles – persistent deciduous (baby) teeth
- Long and narrow muzzle breeds, such as the Dachshund – periodontal pockets
- Boxers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and Collies – gingival hyperplasia (excessive growth of the gums)
- Shih Tzu – delayed tooth eruption
- Labradors and Shepherds – fractured tooth
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system can help in the early detection of diseases:
- Decreased pain score
- Decreased Wellness score
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased activity score
- Increased pulse rate
- Decreased HRV
Familial Shar-Pei fever (FSF) is an immunoreactive disease found only in Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. A similar disease in people is called familial Mediterranean fever. It is characterized by episodes of fever and swollen hock joints. During these episodes, patients form excessive amounts of a reactive protein called amyloid that can settle in the liver or kidneys, eventually causing them to fail. Once diagnosed, affected dogs receive life-long medications to reduce the formation of the amyloid protein.
Symptoms include episodes of fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, swollen hocks, pain, and heavy breathing (panting).
Breeds
Chinese Shar-Pei dogs
How can PetPace help?
The PetPace system can help in the timely detection of flare-ups and fever episodes, helping to track the condition and response to treatment:
- Fever
- Increased pulse
- Decreased HRV
- Increased respiratory rate
- Decreased activity score
- Decreased pain score
- Changes in posture patterns
- Deviations from the Health Profile
- Decreased Wellness score
